Blog
In The Dark? This is what you should do when the power goes out if you live in the Yarra Valley…
Electricity. It’s something you don’t really think about… until it’s not available to you. Then you realize just how much you rely on it! Wild weather is not uncommon across the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, and when a big storm blows, we often see the lights start flickering and then we are sitting in darkness! Often all we do now is wait…
... read moreAussie Easter in Autumn – EVER WONDERED WHATS WITH THE BUNNY AND THE CHOCOLATE EGG?
AN AUSSIE EASTER – EVER WONDERED WHATS WITH THE BUNNY AND THE CHOCOLATE EGG?
Should we be celebrating easter differently in the Yarra Valley?
... read moreWinters are cold in Melbourne and the Yarra Valley! Will You Be Cold or Comfortable this year?
Autumn is here… Winter is coming… will you be warm and comfortable through it all? A properly running HVAC system can mean the difference between comfort and discomfort in your home. If you have invested in a Ducted Heater, Hydronic or Reverse Cycle HVAC system we want to help you maximize your investment! This will mean you can enjoy a warm, worry-free home through the Autumn and winter – its as easy as following some simple tips.
... read more7 things you need to know before buying a new heater
It’s getting cold in the Yarra Valley and your old heater just isn’t cutting it anymore. Time to get some quotes for a new one, right? WRONG! It’s time to sit down with a cuppa, and educate yourself. The more you know about heating (and cooling) the better decisions you can make for your home and family
... read moreCelebrate WORLD WILDLIFE DAY! March 3rd 2021!
This year’s theme, “Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet”
One of our core values at Alpine is
SUSTAINABILITY! We aim to improve the quality of life in communities where we work, by respecting local cultures, engaging local people and protecting the environment.
... read moreIS IT SOCKS OR SANDALS THIS SUMMER?
When most of us think about a typical Aussie summer we think about;
Heat, sun, humidity, long summer nights, beach, swimming, sprinklers under trampolines, creeks and rivers, dry grass, hay, bush fires, coldies, ice, air-conditioning!
... read moreHappy Australia Day- Us Aussie are a clever bunch!
Happy Australia day!
Yes we are quite an innovative bunch of people! Let’s look at some of the clever creations to come out of this great southern land. We bet you didn’t know half of them!
... read moreHow To Choose The Best Melbourne Or Yarra Valley Plumber For The Job
When you have a plumbing job, how do you know who to hire? You google it? Call the first plumber that pops up in your search results? Or maybe you see a van drive past a quickly write down their number? The truth is however, most homeowners don’t want just anyone to do the work. They want to hire the company that can fix the problem and get their plumbing back to normal as quickly as possible. Someone they trust to give the right advice first time around.
... read more7 Plumbing tips to keep this holiday season festive
Victorian lockdowns have eased and now we can celebrate Christmas and a New Year with our loved ones across Victoria and the rest of Australia. So… Have you got family coming over for the holidays? You are probably opening your home to family and friends to enjoy the holiday season with you. But…. the holiday festivities can quickly diminish if you’re not careful. So here are some proactive tips. In this article, we’re sharing some hints and tips to keep your home’s plumbing in tip top shape this holiday season.
... read moreSmart Home Tips For Staying Cool This Summer
Being prepared for the summer weather across Melbourne and the Yarra Valley could mean being ready for a 40 degree heat wave, 50 + km per hour winds, rain, even snow :O
Below are our top 10 simple tips for making your home a smart home this summmer!
... read moreImproving the Indoor Air Quality in your home this Spring
Restrictions in Victoria and the eastern suburbs are still in place although with schools returning in a week, we are slowly starting to feel free again! We’ve all been sealed in tight against the cold of winter and these restrictions of Covid-19. We know the warmer days are coming, as we have had little tastes here and there…. but what can we do in spring to help those living in our homes who are sensitive to indoor allergens or have respiratory problems?
... read moreShould I fix my own plumbing?
If you own a home then you know a key part of home ownership is caring and maintaining your home’s plumbing system.
While there are licensed professionals to do a lot of the work that needs to be done, there are a few things you can do with your home’s plumbing to keep it maintained in between check-ups with your local plumber.
... read moreLeaky roof? Here are some simple tips for you
A roof is an essential part of your home—of course! But it might play a bigger role than you realize. Sure, you don’t give it much thought, but it does a lot of work to keep your family safe and comfortable.
... read moreStep by step guide to help troubleshoot common electrical problems
... read moreTop Plumbing Tips For A More Comfortable Home in Melbourne and the Yarra Valley
When it comes to plumbing, many things can go wrong. Some plumbing issues are very easy to repair, while others can become quite a bit more difficult. No matter how difficult or simple the plumbing problem may appear, it’s wise to have some plumbing knowledge to ensure that repairs are done correctly and efficiently. After all, it’s your home, and you don’t want any nasty surprises by trying to do the work yourself without knowing what to do.
... read moreHOW TO SAVE ENERGY, MONEY AND WATER! 5 Simple Hot water system tips every homeowner should know.
Hot water systems use A LOT of energy. Around one quarter of the average Australian home’s energy use is chewed up by heating water! This is a big chunk of your electricity bills…especially in winter when the showers tend to get hotter and longer :S But there are a few simple things you can do to cut down on the energy your hot water system uses.
... read moreKEEPING WARM IN LOCKDOWN
You could upgrade your heater 😉 but…there are some other ways that could help you avoid feeling the chill whilst staying home. If you live in Melbourne or the Yarra Valley, we’re experiencing cold nights, and miserable wet foggy days…
... read moreIt's wet, it's cold, do you have a problem with mold?
Its winter! Its wet! Its cold! And it’s the time of year that you may be experiencing problems with mould in your home!
The thought of mould makes many people cringe. Mould spores spread easily and cannot be completely eradicated. Mould can cause allergens and irritants that may compromise your own and your families health.
... read moreBlocked drains! What a pain! How to avoid them!
You if you have a blocked sewer drain, storm water drain or any drain that is designed to take the waste and water away from your home to be processed – you need it fixed fast! The longer a drain is blocked, the higher the risk of flooding or more permanent damage to your home and property.
... read moreHow to hire a contractor during the Covid-19 crisis -The 7 MOST important things to consider
Here’s the thing about your plumbing or electrical: It doesn’t care, at all, about what’s happening in the world. So, the reality that you’re dealing with a global health crisis? It simply doesn’t care. But at ALPINE TRADE GROUP, we do!
... read moreHeat Recovery Ventilation Systems
A new product has hit the market and we are in love! HRV systems or (Heat Recovery Ventilation systems) are a brilliant concept, and can improve indoor air quality by providing fresh air ventilation in a unique way....
Keeping cool back at school
The weather across Melbourne is heating up again towards the end of the week…Proving that summer is defiantly not over just yet. Kids can be all GO GO GO and they often forget to take a break…which can lead to overheating and heat stroke.
... read moreHow to use your Air conditioner to improve your indoor air quality during Victoria's fire season..
Across Melbourne the smoke from the fires burning across the state can not only be seen, but felt. This makes it a difficult time for not only those immediately affected by the fires, but those with allergies, asthma or respiratory conditions living in other parts of the state.
... read moreHot water system maintenance is often overlooked by Australians…
Australians have become accustomed to having hot water at our fingertips. This instant access to hot water is essential in keeping our households and businesses running. Hot water for our washing up, the dishes, our hygiene routines, household appliance function and more…
... read moreReasons why you should install a backup generator if you live or own a business in the Yarra Valley....
Melbourne’s weather is so unpredictable…However, generally during summer we can expect mostly pleasant days, followed by days where temperatures sore in the high 30’s to 40 degrees. Most of us are lucky enough to have some form of air-conditioned in our homes/or offices….but as power outages frequently occur during this season, most of us have not considered what will happen when extreme weather causes a black out.
... read moreWHAT IS A DANGEROUS CARBON MONOXIDE LEVEL?
WHAT IS A DANGEROUS CARBON MONOXIDE LEVEL?
Every winter we get asked the same questions by clients, asking about Carbon monoxide (CO)… What carbon monoxide levels are dangerous?... So we thought we’d share with you some information.
As most people know, CO is a deadly, colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. It is produced by the incomplete burning of various fuels. These fuels include coal, wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane, and natural gas. Equipment powered by internal combustion engines also produce CO. In many parts of Victoria and the Yarra Valley ducted heating (powered by natural gas) is a popular choice for heating homes during the colder months.
... read more
Tips to save you money on your energy bills this winter in the Yarra Valley…
Having efficient heating in your home is one of the best ways to keep your energy costs downs. However, there’s definitely other ways to help warm up your house this winter. In fact, it’s just as much about keeping the cool air out as it is about keeping the warm air in.
So, here are some handy tips and tricks to ensure your home is warm and cosy while still keeping the costs down.
... read moreSurge protection in your home
With the wet weather increasing across the Yarra Valley in the coming months, the possibility of losing your gear during a thunderstorm or major power outage is more likely. These events can be not only costly, but very inconvenient. There really is no reason you shouldn’t have your equipment protected with a surge protector. Below we list a few of the key things you should consider if you’re thinking about surge protection.
... read moreWHY TO CONSIDER A GAS DUCTED HEATING UPGRADE
Gas ducted heating can be one of the most affordable heating choices for you and your family. Not only can we offer some great deals on new systems, but with natural gas readily available throughout Australia, it is a great choice when it comes to heating your home. Gas ducted heaters are environmentally friendly, producing less emissions than other forms of heating, and newer units even reaching a 7-star energy rating.
... read moreFAULTY WIRING THE CAUSE OF TOO MANY HOUSE FIRES IN THE YARRA VALLEY
CFA Victoria suggests that there’s an average 3,000 house fires per year in Victoria. There has been a surge in the Yarra Valley as the cold nights set in and people are switching on their heaters, electric blankets, and using open fires in attempt to stay warm.
... read moreRusty Water? Rusty Pipes? Locate the problem
We expect the water coming from your taps to be clean and clear. However, what happens when the color and taste of your water is suddenly a little off? The cause could be rust and depending on the age of your pipes and water heater, it could be coming from inside your house.
... read moreThe Health Benefits of Hydronic Heating
Hydronic Heating is the recommended heating solution for those with allergies or sensitivities to air movement, or disturbed by the sound pitch which can come from air vents. Unlike many forms of heating systems which blow warmed air around the room, Hydronic Heating provides a steady level of continuous heat which emanates from an in-room unit or panel.
... read more10 REASONS TO INSTALL LED LIGHTING IN YOUR HOME
LED stands for ‘Light Emitting Diode’. LED’s are an energy efficient lighting that will save you money on your power bill. Here are 10 reasons you should be getting an LED lighting installed in your home.
... read moreDucted Reverse Cycle Air conditioning
Ducted reverse cycle air conditioning is a whole climate solution for your home or office space, a great choice for people in the Yarra Valley and Eastern suburbs.
... read moreWhat you need to know about Electrical Safety Switches, or RCD’s in Victoria
Electrical Safety Switches or RCD’s (residual current devices) protect our family and loved ones against electrocution by immediately switching off the supply of electricity when electricity leaking to earth is detected at harmful levels.
... read more